Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James explained why he signed with Nike in 2003. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

LeBron James Signed Nike Deal for Money Not Michael Jordan

Originally posted on Sneakers on SI | By Pat Benson | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 2:34 PM ET

Wednesday was quite the day for Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. The league's all-time leading scorer set social media ablaze with an hour's worth of viral content on ESPN's Pat McAfee show and then hit a game-winner over the Indiana Pacers.

While fans and media alike are still unpacking everything James said during his interview with McAfee, one interesting story immediately grabbed the attention of sneakerheads.

When distancing himself from ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst, James furiously refuted the idea that he signed with Nike because of Michael Jordan.

Instead, James provided an expletive-laden story for his first sneaker deal in 2003. Below is a clip of the video from the official Pat McAfee social media account.

“I do wear number 23 because of Michael Jordan..

I signed with Nike because I got a hell of a signing bonus and moved my mom outta the hood the day after I signed that contract..

I also wanted to wear Nike off the court” @KingJames #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/BNyQ8Lfhpu
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 26, 2025

James paraphrased Windhrorst's comments from his February 28th edition of ESPN's First Take, "'He signed with Nike because of Michael Jordan.' Like, no the f*** I didn't."

James explained, "I signed with Nike because I got a hell of a signing bonus, and they gave me a seven-year, $90 million contract, and I moved my mom out of the hood the next day I signed that contract."

This is not the first time this year that James has discussed the meetings he had with sneaker brands before signing his first contract.

Brian Windhorst on Lebron James

"He chose to wear 23. He also said I never asked to be the face of the league. Of course he asked to be the face of the league. He signed a $90 million Nike contract. Why? Because of Jordan"

h/t @ohnohedidnt24

pic.twitter.com/tXhonpL7SV
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) February 28, 2025

In January, James appeared on New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce and recounted turning down a $10 million check from Reebok that was contingent on his not meeting with any other companies.

James eventually signed a 7-year, $87 million signature sneaker deal with Nike in May 2003. Reebok reportedly offered $115 million, while adidas offered less than $60 million.

In 2015, James signed a historic lifetime contract with Nike worth approximately $1 billion. The Nike LeBron signature line has had 22 installments and spun off multiple other lines, even expanding into football cleats.

Something tells us that this story is far from over. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Kicks On SI for all your footwear news from the NBA and beyond.